At the Jean-Moulin School in Libos, a proposed class closure has ignited a rally of parents and teachers advocating for student welfare. In a community already struggling with various challenges, stakeholders have expressed strong opposition to this decision.
Concerns Over Class Closure
Parents are particularly alarmed by the threat of losing a class, citing various reasons for their opposition. The school’s social positioning index (IPS) has shown a steady decline over the past five years, indicating a need for increased educational support. Currently, 50% of the students come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Educational Challenges
- The community faces limited access to healthcare services.
- Many students lack primary doctors or dentists.
- Social and economic hardships further complicate learning conditions.
Due to these factors, parents argue that the Jean-Moulin School deserves special attention. The school was removed from the priority education list ten years ago, despite similar statistics to nearby schools that still qualify for such status.
Community and Educator Engagement
In addition to facing class closures, Jean-Moulin School has previously lost a teaching position, further straining its resources. The school is part of the rural educational territory (TER) of Monsempron-Libos, which facilitates cultural, sports, and civic projects. Teachers have actively contributed to initiatives such as a literary prize and are planning a new scientific event.
These efforts require significant dedication from the educators, often extending beyond regular working hours. The school also collaborates with local organizations, like the Maison des Familles, to support families and their children’s education.
Municipal Support Against Closure
The local municipality has consistently backed the school, contributing over one million euros towards renovations. These efforts aimed to enhance the learning environment, including ongoing improvements to school playgrounds.
Current Enrollment and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the school will transition 29 CM2 students to sixth grade while expecting only 19 new CP students for the 2026 academic year. This modest change in enrollment represents a minimal impact per class.
The school also features a unique bilingual Occitan section, enriching its educational offerings. In response to the proposed class closure, all Jean-Moulin teachers participated in a strike on March 31, and parents organized a “dead school” day on April 2, urging fellow parents to keep their children home.
The determination of parents and educators to contest this move underscores their commitment to maintaining quality education at the Jean-Moulin School.
